Orthodox Parties Divided on Conscription as Israeli Government Formation Looms
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
The formation of Israel's next government is complicated by the ultra-Orthodox conscription issue, with United Torah Judaism showing potential openness to compromise while Shas maintains strict demands. Avraham Yustman of Agudat Yisrael suggested readiness to negotiate, but Yitzhak Goldknopf reaffirmed opposition to quotas. Shas chairman Aryeh Deri insists on a law guaranteeing yeshiva students' status and has recommended Benjamin Netanyahu for prime minister, creating a political divide.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- United Torah Judaism may compromise on ultra-Orthodox conscription, while Shas demands guaranteed yeshiva student status.
- Avraham Yustman stated Agudat Yisrael is open to solutions on conscription, including potential sanctions.
- Yitzhak Goldknopf of Agudat Yisrael opposes recruitment quotas and sanctions.
- Aryeh Deri declared Shas will not join a government without a law protecting yeshiva students.
- Shas recommended Benjamin Netanyahu, while United Torah Judaism recommended no candidate.
- No joint compromise between the two Orthodox parties on conscription has been reached.
The issue of ultra-Orthodox conscription is emerging as a critical factor in the formation of Israel's next government, with differing stances between two key religious parties. Representatives from the Ashkenazi United Torah Judaism party have indicated a potential willingness to negotiate on the sensitive conscription issue, even considering compromises previously deemed unacceptable, such as sanctions for those not pursuing religious studies. Avraham Yustman, an Agudat Yisrael representative, stated on Kan radio that his party would respond positively to any political entity offering a legally binding and satisfactory solution to conscription.
However, this openness is not universal within the party. Yitzhak Goldknopf, a leader of Agudat Yisrael, has recently reiterated opposition to recruitment quotas and penalties. Discussions are ongoing regarding potential exemptions for some yeshiva students while others might face military service, but no concrete agreements have been reached on the number of exemptions, recruitment procedures, or potential sanctions.
The Sephardic Shas party, led by Aryeh Deri, maintains a much firmer position. Deri has declared that Shas will not support or participate in any government unless a law is passed guaranteeing the status of yeshiva students. He has also rejected proposals, including one from Gadi Eisenkot, to limit the number of exempt students, refusing to allow the state to determine who can continue their religious studies.
Political alignments further complicate the situation. Deri has ruled out joining a coalition led by Eisenkot without the Likud party, while Shas has recommended Benjamin Netanyahu to form the government. United Torah Judaism, conversely, has chosen not to recommend any candidate. As of now, Shas has made no public concessions on exemptions or sanctions, leaving the possibility of a conscription agreement open for some in United Torah Judaism, but no joint compromise between the two Orthodox parties is yet apparent.
Mentioned
